Sports

CH came up with a better performance to hold Kandy to a draw. The CH players and supporters would be happy with the performance. If they could have held on to the ball the result may have been different. Kicking to space and working their forwards CH gave the Kandy team an unexpected treatment. The dropping of the ball and or injudicious kicks at vital times put paid to their chances of tasting victory. Despite the abundance of talent both teams shone in fits and starts as though they were suddenly lulled into slumber after a sudden rush of blood.

An issue that has been talked of after this match was the awarding of a penalty try. The laws of the game say “A penalty try is awarded if a try would probably have been scored but for foul play by the defending team. A penalty try is awarded if a try would probably have been scored in a better position but for foul play by the defending team."

The discretion in the interpretation of the law is what leads to opinion. If not for a penalty try could the player have been given a red card or a temporary suspension? There is also opportunity in the laws to affect a send off or a temporary suspension after a penalty try is awarded. The question as to whether he should be sent off or temporally suspended or admonished as stated in the laws has given rise to a need for clarification and has been given in law rulings by the IRB.

It is always good for the game when issues are discussed and it is then that other experiences will come to light and all will contribute to the game.

At Havelock Park it was a new approach that led the Park club boys to get the better of the Army side. There was more positive play and adventure by the Havelock’s side. What did happen to the Army side that dished some gutsy performances against CR and Kandy? While not taking away the performance, the seemingly lethargic attitude of the Army side gave more room for the Havelocks to explore. A classic example was the last try scored by the Havies. Kicked ahead the ball falls closer to the 22 in Army territory. Three army players are undecided as the ball bounces. The Havies full back who followed his kick plucks the ball away and runs through for a try. Once again the ball handling was a weakness that surfaced. The number of scrums being over 40 tells a story.

In segment B the Police lost to the Old Zahirians which leave Air Force unbeaten in this segment. The fight ahead is now clear and again the others may fall on the way.

The tournament hand book saw the light of the day with an inclusion of the under 19 variations for substitution as part of the rules. This has since then been corrected. It is surprising that a tournament committee comprising of those involved in the game included sections of the Law that is not applicable at this level. All the wise people sitting together and with the facility to read the book, compare and decide have made a mistake. On the other hand the referee interprets the same laws being on his feet and has less than thirty seconds on most times to make his decision from among the many laws of the game. Yet we expect perfection.

In the Asian circuit rugby development is turning a new leaf. Growth in South East Asia will take another step forward with the ARFU Division Six tournament to be played in Cambodia from 27th June to 1st July. The tests are to be played between involving Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos. This tournament is part of the 2006 Asian Nations Series.